2024-10-15 SGA Senate Meeting Minutes

October 15, 2024
2:15pm, Forum 3-130, Downtown Campus Room 200B, Zoom

In Attendance

Student Senators

  • Senator Elisabeth Small
  • Senator Ashley Wrobeh
  • Senator Billy Simba
  • Senator Shawn Sanchez
  • Senator Lizzy Cole
  • Senator Neenee Curry
  • Senator Ryan

President

  • Angelo Romero

Vice President of Governance

  • Alicia Crimmins

Vice President of Downtown

  • Loritea Ellis

Treasurer

  • Esma Demir

Chief of Staff

  • Liam Krieger

Secretary of Governance

  • Tehya Deisenroth

Student Trustee

  • Joseph Leichtner

Historian

  • Nick Tran

Office of Student Life

  • Advisor: Jodi Oriel
  • Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample

Visitors

  • Ryan Messenger – Student Affairs
  • Ginny Geer-Mentry – MCC Association
  • Dana Williams – MCC Student

Minutes

Call to Order (2:15 pm)

  1. Roll Call (see attendance above)
    Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a roll call to start the senate meeting.
  2. Land Acknowledgement
  3. Approval of Minutes
    1. Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the October 8, 2024 Student Government Association minutes.
    2. Senator Small so moved, seconded by Senator Simba
    3. A vote was taken.
    4. Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the October 8, 2024 minutes as written.

Speak to the Senate

No one spoke to the senate.

Reports

  1. President Romero

    On Monday, October 7th, President Romero helped set up the October 7th, calling for a Peace Morning event with fellow members of SGA and the Peace Committee. President Romero would read an article from the United Nations and the news revolving around the War in Israel/Palestine. Both events were great, and he wanted to give a massive shoutout to the Peace Committee and Faculty Members who helped and attended the event. Later that day, President Romero would attend the October Board of Trustees Meeting on the Downtown Campus and report on what the Student Government has accomplished since the last BOT Report. President Romero would also see presentations on the Annual Sexual Harassment Training from Tammy Kieper and the Unlocking Opportunity Network from Associate Vice President Gary Johnson and Provost and VP Michael Jacobs. He would also hear a testimony from PTK President Mara Waynick, which was amazing. Overall, this meeting provided a lot of good information, and the next Board of Trustees Meeting will be held on December 9th, on the Brighton Campus. I encourage you all to attend. After the Board of Trustee’s Meeting, Historian Tran and President Romero attended a meeting at the Foodlink Headquarters. Chef Ashley Chung gave a presentation on Foodlink as an organization, discussing ways the ACF as a group and as individuals can get involved in the Facility and discussing the Career Fellowship. It was great to learn more about Foodlink and the training program there. On Wednesday, October 9th, President Romero attended two events related to the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Project. The testimony by twins Steve Hess and Marion Ein Lewin about their experiences during the Holocaust. Their stories were compelling and touching. I also learned about the history of the Holocaust and learned new information, such as the story of the Lost Train. Later, he was at the dinner and heard more from them and their background. It was a powerful testimony, and I was happy to hear from them. After this, He attended the Instrumental and Vocal Concert; everyone was terrific. A huge shout out to Residence Hall Senator Lizzy Cole on her Tributone Performance and all students who performed at the concerts. They were excellent, and he looks forward to the following concerts in December. On Thursday, October 10th, President Romero attended the first Cultural Alliance meeting with Diversity Senator Smalls. They discussed wanting to spread awareness about Adoption Awareness Month and possibly holding tables. This takes place throughout November. Also, they may plan an event to celebrate all the cultural holidays in December. On Friday, October 11, President Romero attended the first part of the Diversity Conference, which explored the critical role of belonging in higher education. Dr Terrell Strayhorn was the Keynote Speaker for the conference, and he gave such a touching speech. He wishes I could watch it again because it kept him engaged. Dr Strayhorn touched on the importance of belonging and inclusivity. After this, he watched the Student Panel, which revolved around the perspectives of Students at MCC. Huge Shout out to Diversity Senator Elisabeth Small, Pride Alliance President Corey Carney, Global Union President Judi Razafintsalama, and VP of Cabbage and Kings Hamzah Al-Ani. Every single one of them did amazing, and it was touching. After this, President Romero met with the Student Government Organization at Cayuga Community College to discuss the SUNY Student Assembly, what they do, important dates, and answer any questions. Lastly, on October 12th, President Romero had a small team-building activity with some of the SGA members. They had dinner at Smash Burger, and then afterward, they went to the Movies to see Joker: Foile á Deux. Seeing the movie with members of the SGA made it a better experience, and overall, it was fun.

  2. Vice President of Governance Crimmins

    On Monday, October 7th, the Peace Committee held their two October 7th events, calling for peace between Israel and Palestine. They got lots of great feedback and will use this as a learning experience and apply it while planning future projects. On Wednesday, October 9th, Vice President of Governance Crimmins and other student leaders attended the “Hear their Story” event and dinner with Holocaust survivors Steven Hess and Marion Lewis. Then on October 12th, she and other SGA members participated in a fellowship activity with Smashburger on President Romero and fell victim to the awfulness of Joker 2. She is also preparing for the Faculty Senate meeting next Thursday. Thank you.

  3. Vice President of Downtown Ellis

    On October 7th, 2024, The VP of Downtown Campus Ellis set up the table for Turbo Vote on the 2nd floor of the Downtown Campus at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm and was able to help many students understand better why it is important to vote. At 1:00- 1:20 pm the VP of Downtown Campus met with the Criminal Justice Clubs, and The Disability Awareness Club to go over some concerns. Shortly after, the VP of the Downtown Campus took part in a photo shoot at 1:30 pm at the Downtown Campus for MCC Foundation. Each year at the Foundation’s Salute to Excellence event they induct four alumni into the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame. I had the opportunity to do an introductory and short bio of one of the Alumni. It was a wonderful experience, and it was fun. The VP of Downtown Campus Ellis feels appreciation for all that at MCC who continues to add value to her growth as a leader. She looks forward to the many more opportunities that come along the way. On October 9th, 2024, The VP of Downtown Campus Ellis set up the table for Turbo Tax on the 2nd floor of the Downtown Campus at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. There she met with a new potential Clubs and Organization Senator for the Downtown Campus. She is so excited to add another student leader who is looking forward to making a change with the rest of the SGA members on their team.

  4. Treasurer Demir

    Treasurer Esma Demir has no report this week.

  5. Secretary of Governance Deisenroth

    Good afternoon. On Monday, October 7th, the Peace Committee held the two Israel and Palestine
    events. The feedback helped them a lot, and they’re going to use the information that students and
    faculty provided us for future events. On Wednesday, October 9th, Secretary Deisenroth and other SGA
    members attended the “Meet the Survivors” event hosted by HGHRP. The first event, hearing about
    Steven Hess and Marion Lewis stories in the Holocaust, was very educational and she learned a lot
    about them and the atrocities of the Holocaust. She also attended the dinner with them later that
    evening, and they talked more about their experiences. Secretary Deisenroth has also been in contact
    with MSA to continue figuring out the details of how SGA can help with Charity Week. On Saturday,
    October 12th, she and other SGA members had their fellowship. They went to Smashburger, saw Joker
    2 and then talked about how awful the movie was. Thank you.

  6. Chief of Staff Krieger

    Chief of Staff Krieger has no report this week.

  7. Historian Tran

    Historian Tran tabled for TurboVote on Monday, Oct 7 and Thursday, Oct 10. Historian Tran also assisted with the Oct 7th calling for peace event from 5 pm to 6pm.

  8. Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh

    Hello everyone, hoping you are having a good week. On Saturday, October fifth, Senator
    Wrobeh participated in MCC’s annual 5k walk/run, a part of team inspired. She is proud of all the SGA
    members that participated and congrats to all who won scholarships. On Monday October seventh,
    Senator Wrobeh attended the peace committee’s first event, a call to peace between Israel and Palestine.
    It was very informal and really needed during a time like this when everyone is so divided. On Monday
    and Wednesday of this past week, Senator Wrobeh also continued tabling at the SGA voter registration
    table. Senator Wrobeh also designed the poster for MCC Brighton Campus spirit week and worked on
    some of the slides for the SGA presentation in COS classes.

  9. Veterans Senator Sanchez

    On Wednesday October 9th Veterans Senator Sanchez hosted the second meeting for the COS
    committee and wants to thank all the members for their hard work, the PowerPoint is coming along
    nicely. On Thursday October 10th Veteran Senator Sanchez attended another Veterans club meeting and
    ended up in an intense game of spades. (he won). That is all for Veteran Senator Sanchez’s light week.

  10. Student Relations Senator Simba

    My week was light. On Wednesday, October 9, I had my first meeting with the COS committee,
    where we discussed and planned what I would be working on. I was then assigned to explain who the
    student government officers are and what the roles of all the senators are. I am looking forward to this
    presentation.

  11. Diversity Senator Small

    On Tuesday, October 8th, Elisabeth met with Club Connect to discuss the structure of the next
    club and organization meeting, the Halloween theme, and menu suggestions. On Wednesday, October
    9th, Elisabeth completed the Sodexo order to send to Jodi Oriel for review with much anticipation for
    our selections. Additionally, on Wednesday, October 9th, Elisabeth sat in on the visiting poet, Dana
    Levin, who discussed selected poems and their racial significance in society. On Thursday, October
    10th, Elisabeth met with President Romero for Culture Alliance, to plan out events for Adoption
    Awareness month in November and a multicultural holiday party in December. On Friday, October 11th,
    Elisabeth spoke on aspects of belonging at MCC on a panel for the Diversity Conference. Elisabeth had
    the pleasure of speaking with keynote speaker, Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, afterwards to discuss the ways to
    better incorporate adult returning students in the overall college experience. He and several other
    professors appreciated the points Elisabeth made throughout the panel questions. Elisabeth is honored
    that she was selected. Later that day, Treasurer Demir and Senator Ryan joined Elisabeth at Party City to
    gather supplies for the Halloween themed club and organization meeting on Tuesday, October 15th. On
    Saturday, October 13th, Elisabeth joined SGA members for a fellowship dinner at Smashburger. A longawaited
    activity with the group. On Monday, October 14th, Elisabeth joined Dr. Burt-Nanna, the Executive Leadership Team, and students in leadership roles for dessert and chat. This was a great
    opportunity to network and to enjoy a cheat day.

  12. Student Trustee Leichtner

    Student Trustee Leichtner has no report this week.

  13. Residence Hall Senator Cole
    Hello everyone, On Monday, October 7th, Senator Cole and other members of the Peace Committee attended an event related to the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. This event marked the tragic anniversary of an incident that occurred last year. It was the first event hosted by the committee, and it aimed to promote peace. During the event, informational pamphlets were distributed, and attendees received a poppy as a symbol of peace. We watched an educational video on the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Afterward, we had time to discuss and process the information. There was also an article and another video that provided insight into the current state of the situation, along with a more emotional perspective. At the end of the event, we filled out answer cards to share our thoughts and what we had learned. Overall, the event was well-organized, and she gained a deeper understanding of the situation. Then, on Wednesday, October 9th, she attended another COS meeting where we reviewed the slideshow progress and discussed specific details.
  14. Downtown Campus Senator Curry
    Downtown Campus Senator Curry has no report this week.
  15. Club and Organization Senator Ryan
    Hello and good afternoon, everybody! Club/Org Senator Ryan hopes you all had a great weekend. Friday October 11th at 2pm Club/Org Senator Ryan attended a student leadership meeting. Club/org Senator Ryan learned a lot from the meeting. Also Club/Org Senator Ryan hopes that you join us for club connect later today! It’ll be a fun experience and it’s Halloween themed which is super exciting!

New Business

  1. Action Items (requires a senate vote)
    1. Resolution to Approve the Funding Request for Radiology Club

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for Radiology Club.
      Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Cole so moved, seconded by Senator Ryan.
      Discussion: The Radiology Club has completed and met the standards of the Student Government Association and Office of Student Life and Leadership.
      A vote was taken. The resolution passed.
      Be it resolved, the senate present and voting that the Student Government Association approve the funding request for Radiology Club effective October 15th, 2024, at Monroe Community College.

    2. Resolution to Approve the Funding Request for Disability Awareness Club
      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for Disability Awareness Club.
      Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Wrobeh so moved, seconded by Senator Curry.
      Discussion: The Disability Awareness Club has completed and met the standards of the Student Government Association and Office of Student Life and Leadership.
      A vote was taken. The resolution passed.
      Be it resolved, the senate present and voting that the Student Government Association approve the funding request for Disability Awareness Club effective October 15th, 2024, at Monroe Community College.
    3. Resolution to Approve the Travel Funding Request for Radiology Club
      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the travel funding request for Radiology Club.
      Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Ryan so moved, seconded by Senator Small.
      Discussion: The Radiology Club has completed and met the standards of the Student Government Association and Office of Student Life and Leadership.
      A vote was taken. The resolution passed.
      Be it resolved, the senate present and voting that the Student Government Association approve the travel funding request for Radiology Club effective October 15th, 2024, at Monroe Community College.

Discussion Items

  1. There were no discussion items.

Old Business

  1. There was no old business.

Questions and Comments

  1. There were no questions or comments.

Adjournment

  1. Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion for adjournment.

    Senator Simba so moved, second by Senator Cole
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 2:42 pm.

Executive Session

Respectfully submitted,
Tehya Deisenroth
Secretary of Governance